He delayed ordering a lockdown in March, when cases and deaths were soaring, he was also slow to require masks in stores, and Britain’s virus testing and contact tracing programs have been inadequate. Critics accuse the government of confused messaging and of making too many announcements for the public to keep track of. The restrictions imposed by the central government apply only to England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own policies, which have followed a similar pattern. Most analysts believe that the government is desperate to protect a fragile economic recovery and keep schools open, despite the changes to be announced on Tuesday. The new restrictions underscore the government’s conclusion that the virus is spreading mainly through social contact and particularly among younger people.

Source: New York Times September 21, 2020 21:22 UTC